The Origins of Low-Carb Diets

Low-carb diets have gained immense popularity lately, but their roots can be traced back to one man who pioneered this simplified approach to eating.

William Banting, a funeral director in London during the mid-1800s, claimed he lost a remarkable 52 pounds and over 13 inches from his waist in a year by sticking to a low-carb regimen after struggling with his weight for thirty years.

Interestingly, Banting’s diet, though low in carbohydrates, included some foods that modern experts often advise against for weight loss, such as alcohol and whipped cream.

By 1862, at 64 years old, Banting tipped the scales at 202 pounds, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall, which gave him a BMI of 33.6. Determined to change his situation, he eliminated bread, butter, milk, sugar, beer, and potatoes, focusing primarily on animal proteins, fruits, and non-starchy vegetables.

Astonished by the results, Banting published his weight loss methods in a booklet titled ‘Letter On Corpulence, Addressed To The Public,’ regarded as one of the earliest diet manuals.

Fast forward to today, where fitness YouTuber William Tennyson decided to try Banting’s diet for a day to see how it holds up in the modern world.

Tennyson kicked off his day with Banting’s ‘Corrective cordial,’ a mix including a quarter gallon of blackberry juice, a pound of sugar, various spices, and a pint of brandy. He noted the drink tasted like Christmas but wondered about its health benefits, joking that perhaps it was merely an excuse for sugar and alcohol at breakfast.

For breakfast, he whipped up a meal consistent with Banting’s guidelines. The diet suggests having four or five ounces of various meats or fish with a large cup of tea (no milk or sugar) and a small biscuit or dry toast. Banting, influenced by the views of his medical advisor, avoided pork, believing it could contribute to fat storage.

Tennyson commented on his ‘sad looking’ breakfast and noted the mutton he had tasted “very earthy.” Despite this, he appreciated the protein content, as research indicates that increased protein can enhance feelings of fullness and aid in weight management.

As for carbohydrates, Banting’s time labeled the largest meal of the day as ‘dinner,’ served early in the afternoon. His menu included several ounces of fish (saving salmon for avoidance), meat, veggies (minus potatoes), dry toast, fruit from a dessert, and a couple of glasses of wine. Interestingly, alcohol was welcomed, which is quite the contrast to contemporary dietary recommendations.

Tennyson prepared a meal of cod, Brussels sprouts, and dry toast, interpreting dessert as strawberries with whipped cream accompanied by sherry. He found it striking that the Banting diet permitted up to seven glasses of alcohol a day.

While sipping his sherry, he mused about Banting’s preference for drink over water, likening it humorously to that of a pirate.

After lunch, Tennyson enjoyed a ‘gentle walk,’ and for tea, he opted for some fruit, a couple of rusks, and more tea without additives. He noted that despite consuming fewer calories than usual, he felt surprisingly satisfied.

For dinner, he had chicken, adhering to Banting’s suggestion of three to four ounces of protein paired with another glass or two of sherry. While he welcomed the light protein before sleep, he felt the effects of alcohol linger. Banting recommended an evening ‘nightcap’ of gin, whiskey, or brandy, which left Tennyson feeling rather lightheaded, leading him to quip that this drink might help achieve a “perfect night’s sleep” through unconsciousness.

After his day on the Banting diet, Tennyson stated he could see why it might effectively lead to weight loss, primarily due to its low carbohydrate intake, which resulted in fewer calories overall. He observed that aside from the alcohol, the diet had its merits when compared to many modern-day regimens.

The YouTuber noted that the simplicity of the food—the lack of additives or chemicals—might be something to revive in today’s dietary approaches. He used a food tracking app and found that he consumed 1,714 calories, comprising 115 grams of protein, 31 grams of fat, and 68 grams of carbohydrates in one day.

Typical daily recommendations for men hover around 2,500 calories, with balanced macronutrient suggestions from the USDA. Given Banting’s low carb approach, Tennyson concluded that most individuals on this diet would likely lose some weight.

Nutritionist Laura Cipullo remarked that the Banting regimen is essentially a precursor to the modern keto diet, which also emphasizes low carb intake while increasing fats for energy.

Though this approach captures interest, personal trainer Natalya Alexeyenko expressed doubts about such restrictive diets. She believes these usually lead to temporary results and potential rebound weight gain rather than lasting success. Instead, she advocates for greater understanding of how to manage calories and macronutrients as a more sustainable strategy.

Looking ahead, Alexeyenko suggested a shift away from rigid dieting templates towards more personalized nutrition plans that accommodate individual lifestyles and health needs, rather than strict, hard-to-follow rules.